Overview
Bottom fish endemic to Brazil, highly prized for its flesh. Lives on rocky and mixed bottoms.
Identification
Large terminal mouthSingle long dorsal finSlightly forked tailLarge and prominent eyes
- Body
- Elongated and streamlined body, typical of benthic fish.
- Colouration
- Light brown coloration with dark spots and stripes on back and sides.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not prominent
- Growth
- Medium, typical of bottom species living in temperate waters
Taxonomy
- Family
- Pinguipedidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Pseudopercis semifasciataPseudopercis brevisParapercis coliasParapercis hexophtalmaParapercis sexfasciata
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, reefs
- Preferred bottom
- rock, gravel, sand
- Geographic distribution
- Endemic to the coasts of Brazil, prefers coastal areas with mixed rock and sand bottoms.
- Micro-habitat
- Hides among rock crevices and under ledges to avoid predators.
Prefers areas with moderate currents, which aid in food availability.
Presence by sea area
Sa Brasile EstPeak
Sa Brasile SudPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- Crustaceans, Small fish, Mollusks
- Secondary prey
- Annelids, Echinoderms, Shrimp
- Occasional prey
- Plankton, Fish larvae
- Feeding behaviour
- Hunts on the seafloor, using its speed and skill in camouflaging among rocks.
- Natural predators
- Sharks, Large groupers, Sea birds of prey
Its diet varies slightly depending on seasons and prey availability.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Resident
- Seasonal behaviour
- More active during the warm season, when prey is more abundant.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles are often more social, forming small groups near sandy bottoms.
- Adults
- Tends to establish individual territories and hunt alone.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- January, February, March
- Spawning depth
- Between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small with a transparent membrane.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are planktonic, growing rapidly in the first few months.
- Sexual maturity
- 3-4 years
When to catch Sandperch
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattina, pomeriggio
Nightraro
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Moves off the bottom to feed.
Medium
Regular bottom feeding.
High
Stationary on bottom, delicate bites.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
Rocky bottomsUnderwater ledgesCoral reefsMixed coastal areas
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
Bottom fishingSpin fishingFishing with artificial luresMedium-depth vertical fishing
Other applicable
BolentinoPesca A Fondo
Recommended baits
ShrimpSquidFish filletsArtificial fish-shaped lures
Baits by pressure
Low
Jig head + softbaitKabura / Tai rubberSoft plastic grande (20-30cm)Slow pitch jig
Medium
Calamaro interoGambero morto / GamberoGambero vivoPezzo di pesceSeppia mortaStriscia di calamaroFiletto di pesce
High
Esca naturale (generica)Arenicola
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Strong and strategic, tends to head for rocks to free the hook.
- Handling
- Handle carefully avoiding spiny areas, use gloves if possible.
- Release
- Release quickly after checking for damage, preferably in water.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- Species that in some Atlantic Ocean areas can reach substantial sizes, with literature mentioning specimens up to 7 kg.
- In the kitchen
- Used in traditional dishes like moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew.
- Cultural notes
- Loved for its delicate and tasty meat, present in various Brazilian local festivities.
- Historical notes
- Traditionally fished by the coastal population of Brazil, it is a fish known for its numerous uses in local cuisine.
